On Friday, July 10, 2020, Arkansas Governor, Asa Hutchinson, held a press conference to discuss the latest information concerning COVID-19 in De Queen at University of Arkansas Cossatot. Prior to the press conference, a private luncheon was also held at the college for Governor Hutchinson and Sevier County community leaders to discuss updates, reports, and future plans.
The luncheon took place at noon, where Governor Hutchinson spoke with community leaders and representatives from Sevier County. Topics concerning the economy, education, as well as health and safety in Sevier County were discussed.
The press conference began at 1:30 P.M., where UA Cossatot Chancellor, Dr. Steve Cole, welcomed everyone and introduced the governor.
Governor Asa Hutchinson said, “It is good to be in De Queen, and the commitment of this community in terms of reducing the spread and cases of COVID-19 is a success story. The members of this community have done a good job handling everything.”
Hutchinson also added, “It is good to hear that the economy is doing well here in Sevier County despite the number of cases that have occurred.”
The governor encouraged everyone to continue to take responsibility and to do their part. Wearing masks and social distancing was recommended to help decrease the spread of the virus.
Governor Hutchinson was also joined by Dr. Nate Smith and Dr. Jose Romero from the Arkansas Department of Health.
Dr. Smith said that Sevier County has been hit hard by COVID-19, but he appreciated the community for the way its residents have addressed the challenge of preventing it. Dr. Smith stated that as of July 10, Arkansas has 26, 803 total cases of COVID-19, and 5,847 active cases.
Dr. Smith also addressed Sevier County’s number of cases and praised the amount of testing that has taken place in Sevier. 2,563 people in Sevier County have been tested per a 10,000 population, which is twice the state average of 1,225. Dr. Smith also added that about 90% of the Sevier County residents who had COVID-19 are recovered.
Dr. Romero also addressed everyone at the press conference about COVID-19 concerns in Spanish, while UA Cossatot Center for Student Success Coordinator, Erika Buenrrostro translated in English.
At the end of the conference, Governor Hutchinson answered questions from the press. He stated that Arkansas has experienced success in flattening the curve this past spring and will need to translate that same success for the summer and fall.